'Game of Thrones' fantasy is a reality with exhibit of props, costumes

Winter isn't coming — it's here for some "Game of Thrones" fans. HBO is offering viewers an up close and personal look at some of the fantasy drama's props and costumes with a traveling exhibit that is touring the world through Sept. 1.

The collection features about 100 pieces from the sets of the first three seasons, and a few items from the upcoming fourth season. (Spoiler alert! If you're not caught up yet, finish reading this after you've watched all the episodes.)

A set as rich as "Game of Thrones" is bound to have small, detailed pieces such as the accessories worn by the characters. Pictured here are Margaery's wedding necklace, Littlefinger's mockingbird pin, Loras' brooch and the Hand's pin.

Speaking of the hand, poor Jaime Lannister! The Kingslayer lost his right hand in season three, but the appendage has been preserved for all to look upon — well, the prop version of it, anyway. It sits next to that little brat's ... err ... King Joffrey's crown, shaped in the image of a stag's horns, the sigil of House Baratheon.

Looking for something a little more wild? There are always the Wildlings, aka the Free Folk. Turns out the Lord of Bones' headpiece is even more intimidating in person than it is on the small screen. But as expected, the boots needed for climbing The Wall aren't all that stylish.

But there's more to the exhibition than just items encased behind glass displays and fenced off by fancy ropes. HBO also offers a few immersive experiences. One of the best is their 360-degree climb of The Wall. Fans enter a cage that resembles the ones used to transport the Night's Watch up and down. Once inside, don the headphones and virtual-reality goggles for a harrowing trip to the top and back down. (Make sure you look up, down and all around. But those with motion sickness may want to skip.)

The "Game of Thrones" exhibit is in New York at Time Warner Cable Studios, and is open to Time Warner Cable customers through Feb. 1. The exhibit will be in Austin, Texas, at SXSW from March 7-11, before it travels around the world.